We’ve rounded up a collection that includes an equalizer, compressor, and reverb, which are must-have effects for producing everything from music to audiobooks and podcasts. On top of that, the FFmpeg plugin is necessary to expand the type of audio/video formats you can import, and the ACX check plugin is essential for comparing audiobook broadcasting standards.
Downloading the Right Plugin
Before downloading a plugin, it’s important to check that the plugin version matches both your operating system and the version of Audacity you have.
Choosing the right plugin version for your operating system is straightforward; simply scan the download page for either Linux, Windows, or Mac installers. If you don’t see your operating system, then the plugin may not be available to you. The Audacity manual has more information for installing plugins if you have never done it before.
The next thing you need to watch out for is selecting the right build architecture. For example, 64-bit plugins can only run on the 64-bit Audacity version of the software. Likewise, 32-bit plugins will only work on the 32-bit version of Audacity. If you have a Mac computer then it gets a bit more complicated, so we will cover that separately a bit further on.
Check What Version of Audacity You Have
Quickly check what version you have by opening Audacity and using the menu bar to navigate to Audacity > About Audacity. When the dialog window appears, select the Build Information tab. Under Build type, you can see whether you are running 64-bit or 32-bit Audacity.
Audacity Plugins for Mac Intel vs. Apple Silicon
As we said earlier, it can get a little confusing when it comes to downloading Audacity plugins for Mac computers. The reason is that some people may have an older mac running the Intel chip (x86-64), while others have the newer Apple Silicon Mac (arm64).
Before continuing, find out whether your Mac uses Intel or Apple Silicon. Plugins that are regularly updated are likely to list a version for either the Intel 32/64-bit or M1/ARM, depending on their range of support. Make sure to select the one that matches your computer.
1. Chris’s Dynamic Compressor
This compressor is used by many Audacity fans and has been around for longer than a decade. The late Chris Capel was the creator of this enduring plugin, which is now hosted on The Audacity to Podcast website. Here you can find the installation instructions, though we would add that it’s even easier to install using the Audacity Tools > Nyquist Plugin Installer.
Much like a reverb plugin, compression is widely used in all audio production. The interface of this plugin is simple while offering you the key parameters worth playing around with. For a greater look into this plugin, try reading the tutorial that comes inside the download folder.
2. Valhalla Super Massive Reverb Plugin
When it comes to reverb plugins, sometimes keeping it simple is best. Valhalla Super Massive has a great interface that offers just what you need with none of the extra distractions.
While its user-friendly interface may seem simple, it offers plenty of complex sounds with 16 presets to help you get started; Hydra, Orion, and Pisces are the names of just a few.
Unlike some plugins, Valhalla Super Massive is completely free, with no strings attached. What’s even better is that the website is stocked full of information on the plugin, which isn’t always the case with plugin developers, and it includes plenty of audio examples for each preset/mode.
It’s the perfect gateway for beginners looking for their first reverb plugin. Use it to create long and luscious echoes, or dial down the mix knob to add just a touch of reverb to your track. Don’t think it’s only suitable for music either, reverb is just about added to every kind of audio production from podcasts to sound design to voiceovers and audiobooks.
Don’t forget that it also works with Audacity’s realtime effects function, allowing you to adjust the settings as you listen to your track.
3. ACX Check for Audiobooks
Audacity is used by many people to produce audiobooks, which is where this handy little plugin comes in. ACX Check will run an analysis on your selected audio and compare it with the standard audiobook requirements needed to publish to popular audiobook marketplaces.
If your audio doesn’t meet the requirements, it will show a warning. It includes information on peak level, RMS level, noise floor, and the sample rate, all in one place. Simple and quick to use, it’s a time-saving plugin you must have if you want to create audiobooks.
Since it’s a Nyquist-type plugin the installation process is slightly different from usual. You can install the file manually, but we recommend using Audacity’s built-in installer. In the top navigation bar select Tools > Nyquist Plugin Installer, then select Browse to locate the plugin file. Once that’s done, click Apply then close and re-open Audacity.
Once installed, you can find ACX Check under the Analyze menu in the top navigation bar.
4. FFmpeg: Import/Export Different Audio Formats
To import audio from video files, or use different audio formats like M4A, AC3, AMR, WMA, or MP4, you will need to download FFmpeg. It’s not exactly a plugin, rather it’s a library, but just like a plugin, it’s going to give you greater functionality in Audacity.
You can head to the Audacity manual to find installation instructions for Windows, Mac, or Linux. While this is a pretty straightforward addition to Audacity, it’s one that will make your workflow even smoother. No more worrying about converting audio files.
5. MEqualizer EQ Plugin
There are many kinds of EQ plugins out there, and it can quickly get complicated. However, the MEqualizer plugin makes things manageable by sticking to 6 adjustable frequency bands. This gives you enough room to roll off the high or low frequencies, while also making adjustments to the mid-range.
It comes as part of the suite MFreeFXBundle from MeldaProduction which offers a ton of effects plugins to choose from. Some are paid while others are free. During the installation process, you can choose which effects you want so just look for MEqualizer from the free section of plugins.
The free plugins don’t have a time limit, though you will have to put up with the banner at the bottom of the plugin window. It’s a fair exchange in return for a fully-functioning EQ plugin, and you can consider upgrading at any time if you want the message to disappear
Free Plugins for Audacity
There is no better way to make the most of Audacity than with plugins. Since there are so many third-party plugins out there, it’s worth narrowing the list down. Some of the best free plugins were made by individuals, like Chris’s Dynamic Compressor. While others are offered by dedicated plugin developers, such as Valhalla Super Massive.
It’s hard to believe that you can get your hands on such fantastic effects plugins entirely for free. Downloading even a few of these plugins will add a host of creative and practical functions to Audacity.
